blizzcon-machinima
Latest
WoW Moviewatch: Outbreak Lordaeron
Outbreak Lordaeron snagged second place in the BlizzCon 2011 machinima contest. You can see why the movie did well within the first few seconds. The voice acting and graphics are amazing; the action is well choreographed and fluid. Jeffrey Cuiper created the machinima, and the music was performed by Walid Feghali. Voice acting was provided by Jesse Cox, Matt Greenburg, Jesse O'Connor, and Rawrbug. Daniel Whitcomb pointed out immediately that Outbreak Lordaeron is a parody of Left4Dead. I admit that I didn't recognize it. Even without understanding that video game reference, it's impossible not to get the obvious reference to traditional zombie horror. Four survivors must fight their way through the undead horde. The survivors' only hope is to use their wits, energy, and simple weapons to struggle toward freedom. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at moviewatch@wowinsider.com.
WoW Moviewatch: Snacky's Journal, Episode 4
One of the mainstays at BlizzCon is the machinima contest – talented artists submit their movie ahead of the convention in hopes of winning fame and prizes. This year's BlizzCon is no different, and we're sure to see some great videos during the largest gathering of WoW players outside of Azeroth. Over the next few days let's take a look back at some of the winners and runner ups of last year's movie competition.The Grand Prize winner for last year's Machinima contest, and also the winner in the Drama/Romance category was Snacky's Journal, Episode 4. I can definitely see why it won. It has a great story, voice acting, editing -- it's just an all around, well done piece of movie fun.You see, Snacky is coerced (bribed) to go on a blind double date with his friend, only to find out that things are far more complicated... and profitable. I love the settings in Gadgetzan and the Darkmoon Faire, which are particularly appropriate considering the date is crossfaction. There is also an explanation in there as to why Murlocs have cash on them (though where the money is kept is still a mystery).I hope you enjoy it as much as The Spawn and I did. She's insisting on a replay. AFK.
WoW Moviewatch: Divided Soul
One of the mainstays at BlizzCon is the machinima contest – talented artists submit their movie ahead of the convention in hopes of winning fame and prizes. This year's BlizzCon is no different, and we're sure to see some great videos during the largest gathering of WoW players outside of Azeroth. Over the next few days let's take a look back at some of the winners and runner ups of last year's movie competition.Continuing from yesterday's Rumpus, today we'll look at the winner of last year's drama category - Divided Soul by Martin Falch. The movie definitely lives up to its title, and is a good choice from the winner in this category.The tale is of one of friendship across the life span of two Orcs. Their tale moves from being best friends to bitter enemies. Context of love and lust, and of the role of a child's upbringing also come into play. It's a good and short yarn.The animation is pretty good as well. The characters move in a fluid and lifelike fashion. There are very few jagged movements that look out of context – something that I appreciate. The voice acting done throughout the film is also pretty good. Whereas yesterday I criticized Rumpus for not having enough inflection and variation in some of their voice acting, here in Divided Soul I think they do it just right.Worth a watch!
WoW Moviewatch: The Rumpus Machine
One of the mainstays at BlizzCon is the machinima contest – talented artists submit their movie ahead of the convention in hopes of winning fame and prizes. This year's BlizzCon is no different, and we're sure to see some great videos during the largest gathering of WoW players outside of Azeroth. Over the next few days let's take a look back at some of the winners and runner ups of last year's movie competition. We'll begin with the winner in last year's comedy category, The Rumpus Machine by Oblivious Films. The short film is about a Gnomish box that can do whatever it wants, thanks to some handy quantum manipulation. (Note: This movie and its acknowledgement by Blizzard proves WoW has a Heisenberg compensator built into the game. Be afraid. Be very afraid.) The box can summon dancing Blood Elves, teleport the group to Old Ironforge, and even make some Braaaains.The movie runs a little long for my tastes, but I'm sure some of you are okay with that. It has a certain Adult Swim feel to it; not terribly "lol" funny, but more humor that makes you chuckle and has a few moments of intelligent absurdity.The voice acting is good for the most part. The main Gnome character is done wonderfully, and the Dwarf fills his role. I wasn't very fond of the Human, however. He seemed bland and lacked inflection compared to the others. Regular people don't talk in a flat voice most of the time. Of course the real positive with the voice acting comes in a special appearance by Deckard Cain of Diablo fame, voiced by the original actor. That adds a lot to the film, and the dialog and plot involving him works wonders for the movie. I can see why it was selected as the winner in the comedy category for this reasons alone.
